Top France Holidays - page 35

Unlike the classic guided tours of Lyon, this experience is animated by a real sommelier and remains on the authentic plateau of the Croix-Rousse, far from the tourist circuits. Here, there is no Guide who recites dates: you choose your own products from real artisans in the district, you taste the Lyon specialties explained one by one, and you finish with a real wine workshop where you learn to taste the wines of the Rhone Valley as a connoisseur.

Guided by a Lyon sommelier, you don’t just taste: you learn actively. First the basics to analyze a wine correctly then the heart of the workshop, the food and wine pairings. You test both good and bad chords to understand for yourself, concretely, why some combinations sublimate and others destroy. The workshop progresses in phases: goat versus cow, unripened cheese versus long ripening, then blue, where you are completely autonomous to reflect and slice alone. Along the way, you explore the French terroirs with grape varieties, soils and microclimates explained without jargon. Standing, friendly, outdoors as soon as the weather allows, all in an authentic cellar of the Croix-Rousse. An immersion in gastronomic Lyon without setting foot outside.

Here, no frozen tasting or formatted speech. Sommelier Lyonnais by birth, your host gives you a real method to look, smell and analyze a wine, understand the pairings and choose a bottle with confidence, whether in the restaurant or at home. To make the moment even more lively, make room for pétanque, while one team plays, the other continues the tasting, and each alternates between balls and glass in hand. This mix of learning and play, in an authentic neighborhood cellar of the Plateau de la Croix-Rousse, creates a relaxed and warm atmosphere not found in standardized tourist tastings. A real Lyon break, thought like a good afternoon with friends.

Most Montmartre tours rush you past the highlights with 20 strangers. We cap every departure at 8 guests and go deeper — the hidden studios where Picasso launched Cubism, the vineyard planted to save the hill, Van Gogh's apartment with no plaque. An expert local guide who actually knows these streets, and a proper wine and cheese apéro to close. This is Montmartre as it deserves to be seen: intimate, unhurried, and full of stories the guidebooks leave out.

This private experience offers a thoughtfully paced journey through the Lot Valley, combining wine, gastronomy, and heritage. Led by a local expert, it focuses on authentic encounters, meaningful moments, and time to truly connect with each place.

Explore the Gulf of Saint-Tropez with a private wine tour that takes you through three charming family-run wineries. Savor the unique flavors of Provence as you indulge in tastings of rosé, white, and red wines, all while enjoying stunning views over the Mediterranean. With your local English-speaking driver, navigate scenic backroads from the vineyards of Ramatuelle to the picturesque village of Gassin and the hills of Grimaud. Enjoy intimate cellar visits and the option for a delightful cheese and charcuterie pairing to enhance your experience. Private tour through three renowned wine estates in the Gulf Enjoy tastings of rosé, white, and red wines with stunning views Travel in comfort in an air-conditioned vehicle for up to 8 guests Door-to-door pick-up and customizable start times for your convenience

Get swept up in a story that makes art and wine-tasting fun. Guided slow and deep dive into the painting and wines to sharpen your observation skills. Aha and surprise moments to make the history, art and wine unforgettable. Welcoming environment to share your ideas. Friendly vibe to connect and learn with other people.

Few countries are more famous for cheese and wine than France, so there’s no better place to sample these culinary delights than Paris. This cheese-and-wine tasting experience in central Paris provides a welcome break from sightseeing and teaches you how to pair the food and drink together. Plus, a small group ensures an intimate atmosphere.

Designed for cruise passengers, this tour takes you from Le Verdon port to Bordeaux, often called “Little Paris” for its elegant architecture and rich history. Located in France’s famed wine region, Bordeaux is known worldwide for its vineyards and cultural heritage. Since the old town is closed to vehicles, your guide will lead a walking tour of top sights including Cathédrale Saint-André, Place de la Bourse with its Water Mirror, and the neoclassical Grand Théâtre. After the tour, enjoy free time to explore shops, relax at a café, or try local food. Wine lovers can join an optional tasting for €30. At the set time, return to the bus for the trip back to Le Verdon, arriving before your ship departs. This well-planned excursion blends sightseeing, culture, and relaxation, making it a perfect way to experience Bordeaux on your cruise.

Celebrate the holiday season in France and enjoy plenty of Christmas cheer on this 3-hour walking tour in Paris. Marvel at Galeries Lafayette’s magnificent festive decorations, take in panoramic views over the twinkling lights of Paris and delve into boutique shops to search for presents for loved ones back home. Taste traditional French festive delicacies like oysters, fois gras and macarons with Champagne, and enjoy personal attention from your guide on this small-group tour, limited to eight people.

Take the guesswork out of pairing cheese and wine with this small-group guided tasting held in an atmospheric underground cheese cellar. Led by a professional cheesemonger, enjoy insightful commentary about food and drink as you sample nine carefully selected French and Swiss cheeses paired with wine and fresh French bread.

Step into the story of Saint Bernadette with this immersive walking tour through Lourdes. Guided by a knowledgeable local, you’ll retrace the key moments of Bernadette’s life—from her humble birthplace at the Moulin de Boly to the Cachot where her family lived during the apparitions of 1858. Visit the hospice where she studied with the Sisters of Nevers, and the parish church where she was baptized and took her First Communion. Along the way, hear powerful anecdotes that bring Bernadette’s world to life, and discover how her visions forever changed the town’s destiny. You’ll also explore the former presbytery where she shared her divine message, gaining insight into both her spiritual path and the deep-rooted history of Lourdes. But this isn’t just a journey through time—it’s also a taste of the Pyrenees. Enjoy local delicacies like cured meats, artisan cheese, and three wine tastings, all sourced from regional producers. It’s a unique blend of culture, faith, and flavor.

Cover ground quickly on an e-bike during a scenic tour and wine tasting excursion in Provence. Connect to an app to guide you through a full-day itinerary in Provence including popular historic sites around Bonnieux and explore at your own pace. Get extra assistance from the e-bike battery and maximize time during the tour. A local wine tasting is also included.

Savor a five-course tasting menu and wine pairing curated by a MasterChef winner in an intimate wine cellar near Le Marais. Enjoy refined dishes like vodka-marinated trout sashimi and slow-cooked beef cheek, each paired with select wines from the chef’s personal collection. This private dining experience offers a unique opportunity for food lovers to explore Parisian cuisine in a memorable setting.

Indulge in a decadent French picnic with wine pairing in Paris, led by a delightful host. Enjoy freshly baked baguettes, creamy French cheeses, pastries, and handpicked wines, all presented beautifully in a picnic basket. Relax on a cozy blanket in a location of your choice, with tasting notes and regional stories to enrich the meal. Each booking is private, ensuring a serene and delicious experience.

Learn the mysteries behind Bordeaux's greatest wines • Visit the oldest wineries • Walk around the historic area of Bordeaux • Intimate group of up to 10 people • Try a variety of biodynamic and natural wines • Enjoy a charcuterie & cheese board

There are few overlooked wine destinations near Bordeaux—but Graves might be one of them. With this tour, visit three châteaux in the region, known for its range of red, white, and sweet wines. Taste wines, get an insiders’ perspective on the local winemaking process, and have a grand picnic lunch in the gardens of a family-run château (added cost).

Take a deep dive into Provence’s olive oil history and culture with this exclusive experience at a Gordes olive estate. Tour the groves with your hosts to learn about olive cultivation, then enjoy a guided olive oil-tasting workshop to discern different flavors and tips for pairing with food. Blend your own custom oil, pick up tips on how to prepare traditional French vinaigrette dressing, and feast on local charcuterie, olives, and tapenade paired with wine.

Prepare to be captivated by the magical world of the holidays in the idyllic streets of Colmar. The scent of mulled wine and gingerbread fills the air, while the glow of festive lights illuminates charming alleys. As your guide, I'll share local lore, highlight talented craftsmen, and unveil traditions that make this market stand out. • See Colmar through a local's eyes, uncovering the city's true essence. • Uncover the fascinating history behind the customs that make Colmar's Christmas Markets captivating. • Relish in seasonal delights that define the local holiday culinary scene. • Benefit from the intimacy of a small group experience. • Maximise your time and enjoyment with the help of a knowledgeable local guide.

Discover the heart of Paris on a 2-hour Express food tour through Rue Montorgueil, Les Halles, and the streets surrounding the Louvre, the historic district once known as "the belly of Paris," fed by the city's central market for over 800 years. Your guide leads you along Rue Montorgueil, one of the city's oldest market streets, for a French brioche tasting. Next, visit a celebrated fromagerie to taste Comté, France's most-loved cheese. Pass the magnificent Église Saint-Eustache, where Molière was baptised, before stopping at O'Chateau, a renowned Parisian wine bar, to pair a glass of French wine with a refined croque monsieur. Stroll through the Passage du Grand-Cerf, a stunning 1825 Belle Époque arcade, then end at a secret location with a sweet finale. The tour concludes at Louvre-Rivoli, steps from the Louvre Museum, Pont Neuf and La Samaritaine, perfectly placed to continue exploring the heart of Paris!

Explore the historic villages and picturesque vineyards of France’s Alsace region on this private full-day tour. Visit the magnificent Chateau du Haut-Koenigsbourg, admire the colorful buildings on a walking tour of Colmar, explore the medieval monuments of Riquewihr, and sample regional wines during a guided tasting in Eguisheim.

Immerse yourself in the rich beauty of the Languedoc wine region. Visit two wineries and explore scenic vineyards on this private tour. Learn about grape varieties, the winemaking process, and the aging of wine in oak barrels. Sample a range of dry, fruit-forward, velvety, and spicy local wines, both red and white, before your return to Sète.

Not far from Montpellier, Sète is a lovely medieval town known for its great wines and myriad culinary delights. With this tour, you'll get to sample many of the region's most delicious offerings, from local cheeses and olives to fresh oysters. You'll also visit the town of Pézenas and get to try local wines right at a winery.

Explore the scenic Languedoc wine region in a classic Citroën 2CV, a charming way to experience local vineyards and winemaking traditions. This 3.5-hour tour starts with a personalized pickup from your location in Montpellier, Sète, or surrounding areas. Enjoy visits to two traditional wineries, where you’ll taste up to eight exquisite wines, guided by an expert who shares insights on the region's rich viticulture. With the convertible roof open, soak in the beautiful landscapes and consider adding a visit to an olive oil mill or oyster farm. Ideal for couples and small groups seeking an unforgettable wine adventure. - Private pickup from Montpellier, Sète, or nearby locations - Visit two Languedoc wineries and taste eight wines - Knowledgeable guide shares insights on local winemaking - Optional visit to an olive oil mill or oyster farm available